elbow grease

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A good fit for: Cooks who want a chemical-free pan that lasts—and don’t mind putting in a little elbow grease.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

Once the sauce has considerably thickened up a bit and it takes some more elbow grease to run your whisk through it, add salt and another squeeze of lemon juice and taste.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

In ‘99% Perspiration,’ data and stories illustrate the roots and consequences of a very American dilemma: the belief that old-fashioned elbow grease will get you anywhere you want to go.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2025

Antique lighting, although beautiful, also can be difficult to work with, because it may need some elbow grease and rewiring to get it functioning again.

From Washington Post • Jul. 26, 2022

Just needed some elbow grease and then it would shine and sparkle like a crown.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray